Uncle Bawk Quotes Quoted

On Tuesday, October 13, 2015 4:53 PM, Dustin Thelander <dustin.thelander@myldsmail.net> wrote:

Sorry I could not email yesterday, but because of the holiday the library was closed. The beginning of the week began really well. We again visited the Campbells, and Pam is all set for her baptism on the 17th. She has all the lessons down, keeps commitments, and went to church down in Long Beach because she was on vacation. She said it was a good service, but she likes our ward better... No surprise. We also had an amazing zone meeting. The spirit was so strong, and I learned some extremely valuable things. I am amazed that a group of 19 and 20 year olds can put together a meeting so profound.

We met with Jheri and the kids again, and they are super solid as well. The only thing they need was one more week of church. They love the gospel, and I really value the things they are teaching us. The saddest part of the week was that their grandma dragged them to LA for all of Sunday. They missed church, so they will need to push their baptismal date back a week or two. This is not the worst thing as we can better prepare them for their special day. We will bring them to Pam's baptism, so they can see what it is all about.

Friday was the service for Uncle Bowk. He was such a great man, and REALLY funny. We fully expected him to crash his own funeral. But, we spent Thursday and Friday morning along with some AMAZING members of the ward setting up. The service was so touched by the spirit. In attendance there was over 50 co-workers of Jim. He was a train engineer for Union Pacific for over 38 years. He was known as Doc because of his extreme knowledge of trains and how to run them the best. He was beloved by all who came into contact with him. In fact the 50 co-workers would have quadrupled in attendance, but many of them were needed on the tracks. I was able to talk to his wife, Nancy, a lot since the passing. We have talked a lot on the Plan of Salvation. Essentially, it is where we came from, why are we here, and where are we going when we die. These questions are addressed so well in the Church. We agreed it is this plan that truly can take away that sting of death on this earth. While it is horrible to lose a loved one, we know we will live with them again. She and I have something in common, we have lost family members too soon. She was amazed to hear I lost a brother, Cody, and we bore testimony to each other of that amazing Plan of Salvation.

Hide original message

The day after the funeral we weekly planned, which took a long time. Then Sunday was church. I loved the ward's fast and testimony meeting. Everyone, including the Bowker's gave amazing testimonies. I love this church and all of its members. I am sorry this is shorter, but time is short. I love you all so much and miss you.

Love,

Elder Thelander

This is the group of missionaries I work with- our district.

This is what happens when they have a day off and go to the mall...